pap (smear) test and breast screening
#1
pap (smear) test and breast screening
i believe that the pap test is every 2 years. i did call to register when we first arrived, but they told me to call back when my 2 years are up (this july). are they every 2 years? also, what it the situation re cost, is it bulkbilled?
how often can breast screening be done and from what age? also what is the sitaution re cost on this?
i am trying to be proactive and organised, especially with the recent death of such a young woman (jane mcgrath). she did so much for the cause.
so come on ladies, what do y'all know about these 'lady' things
how often can breast screening be done and from what age? also what is the sitaution re cost on this?
i am trying to be proactive and organised, especially with the recent death of such a young woman (jane mcgrath). she did so much for the cause.
so come on ladies, what do y'all know about these 'lady' things
#2
Re: pap (smear) test and breast screening
i believe that the pap test is every 2 years. i did call to register when we first arrived, but they told me to call back when my 2 years are up (this july). are they every 2 years? also, what it the situation re cost, is it bulkbilled?
how often can breast screening be done and from what age? also what is the sitaution re cost on this?
i am trying to be proactive and organised, especially with the recent death of such a young woman (jane mcgrath). she did so much for the cause.
so come on ladies, what do y'all know about these 'lady' things
how often can breast screening be done and from what age? also what is the sitaution re cost on this?
i am trying to be proactive and organised, especially with the recent death of such a young woman (jane mcgrath). she did so much for the cause.
so come on ladies, what do y'all know about these 'lady' things
#3
Re: pap (smear) test and breast screening
Pap smears are usually done every 2 years unless you have a history of abnormal paps in which case your doctor may want to do them yearly. If your GP bulk bills then you don't pay anything for it. If they don't then you can ask for a referral to the Gynae Clinic at your public hospital where they will do it. There are also free (Medicare funded) sexual health clinics in NSW where you can go get your bits checked. If by chance you need further treatment ask to be referred to the public hospital and all of your treatment is covered by Medicare. It may take longer, but the consultants at public hospitals are really very good.
For mammograms you usually get your first one at 40 if there is a family history. Not sure about NSW, but in WA it's every 2 years for women over covered by Medicare. You could of course go to a private clinic and pay, but if it's just simple screening then 2 yearly should be fine.
Proactive is a good thing. It's a terrible thing when a woman dies of a treatable disease.
For mammograms you usually get your first one at 40 if there is a family history. Not sure about NSW, but in WA it's every 2 years for women over covered by Medicare. You could of course go to a private clinic and pay, but if it's just simple screening then 2 yearly should be fine.
Proactive is a good thing. It's a terrible thing when a woman dies of a treatable disease.
#4
Re: pap (smear) test and breast screening
In WA it's called 'BreastscreenWA' and I go every 2 years, as Dorothy mentioned I forget at what age it is free...but I do know I'm old enough.
There was mention of them reducing the age for free mammograms but I'm not sure if they have done it yet
Ask your doctor or chemist....and good on you
There was mention of them reducing the age for free mammograms but I'm not sure if they have done it yet
Ask your doctor or chemist....and good on you
#5
Re: pap (smear) test and breast screening
In WA it's called 'BreastscreenWA' and I go every 2 years, as Dorothy mentioned I forget at what age it is free...but I do know I'm old enough.
There was mention of them reducing the age for free mammograms but I'm not sure if they have done it yet
Ask your doctor or chemist....and good on you
There was mention of them reducing the age for free mammograms but I'm not sure if they have done it yet
Ask your doctor or chemist....and good on you
there is no family history (not of breast anyway).
#6
Re: pap (smear) test and breast screening
Here pap smears every two years and from when you become sexually active. Mammograms every two years over 40 although they do let you get a baseline one done before that I believe unless there are indicators in your family which suggest you should get it done earlier. The actual pathology is free for the pap smear you just fork out the $30 or so for the doctor's appointment. Mammogram free for over 40s for sure.
#7
Re: pap (smear) test and breast screening
Here pap smears every two years and from when you become sexually active. Mammograms every two years over 40 although they do let you get a baseline one done before that I believe unless there are indicators in your family which suggest you should get it done earlier. The actual pathology is free for the pap smear you just fork out the $30 or so for the doctor's appointment. Mammogram free for over 40s for sure.
#8
Re: pap (smear) test and breast screening
Here pap smears every two years and from when you become sexually active. Mammograms every two years over 40 although they do let you get a baseline one done before that I believe unless there are indicators in your family which suggest you should get it done earlier. The actual pathology is free for the pap smear you just fork out the $30 or so for the doctor's appointment. Mammogram free for over 40s for sure.
#9
Account Closed
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 503
Re: pap (smear) test and breast screening
Maybe just here in QLD, but I saw an advert on the back of a toilet door!
I have this done every two years because I am over 40!
Hope this helps you,
Mxxx
I have this done every two years because I am over 40!
Hope this helps you,
Mxxx
Last edited by Machiavelli; Jun 30th 2008 at 3:36 pm.
#10
Re: pap (smear) test and breast screening
mrs obiwan is interested, thanks for starting this thread
so assuming you decide to go to your local GP and do the pap smear, then you pay the $50-60 fee, do you also get the $30-something refund from Medicare?
thanks
so assuming you decide to go to your local GP and do the pap smear, then you pay the $50-60 fee, do you also get the $30-something refund from Medicare?
thanks
#11
Re: pap (smear) test and breast screening
i went ahead and had the breast check (all clear ). it was very easy, just rang up the number and they arranged an appointment the next week at the nearest unit. nothing to pay. the next one is 2 years away. as i am over 40 (but not over 50), they gave me a fridge magnet thingy with the next one due by date, as i not automatically recalled (over 50's are). pap test is the next thing for me, as my two years are now up.
#13
Re: pap (smear) test and breast screening
That's interesting. In NZ it's every year, but only free after 45, and only if you apply. Likewise the pap smear is yearly done by GP or a nurse and they send you a reminder. I'm having it all done this year before we get to Oz.
#14
Re: pap (smear) test and breast screening
i believe that the pap test is every 2 years. i did call to register when we first arrived, but they told me to call back when my 2 years are up (this july). are they every 2 years? also, what it the situation re cost, is it bulkbilled?
how often can breast screening be done and from what age? also what is the sitaution re cost on this?
i am trying to be proactive and organised, especially with the recent death of such a young woman (jane mcgrath). she did so much for the cause.
so come on ladies, what do y'all know about these 'lady' things
how often can breast screening be done and from what age? also what is the sitaution re cost on this?
i am trying to be proactive and organised, especially with the recent death of such a young woman (jane mcgrath). she did so much for the cause.
so come on ladies, what do y'all know about these 'lady' things
a) its 2 yrly unless you had a previous abnormal pap then its yearly
b) bulk billing med centres will do it free, otherwise theres usually a gap payment.
c) a breast exam should always be included in your well woman check, plus some breast education so you can self check every month
d)mammography/ultrasound is recommended every 2 yrs and is free for the over 40's if you call Breastscreen Qld on 13 20 50. If you have a family history of breast cancer and are under 40 - it is also free (in Qld).
XXXX
#15
Re: pap (smear) test and breast screening
haha I do anything up to 24 pap's a day when I'm at work!
a) its 2 yrly unless you had a previous abnormal pap then its yearly
b) bulk billing med centres will do it free, otherwise theres usually a gap payment.
c) a breast exam should always be included in your well woman check, plus some breast education so you can self check every month
d)mammography/ultrasound is recommended every 2 yrs and is free for the over 40's if you call Breastscreen Qld on 13 20 50. If you have a family history of breast cancer and are under 40 - it is also free (in Qld).
XXXX
a) its 2 yrly unless you had a previous abnormal pap then its yearly
b) bulk billing med centres will do it free, otherwise theres usually a gap payment.
c) a breast exam should always be included in your well woman check, plus some breast education so you can self check every month
d)mammography/ultrasound is recommended every 2 yrs and is free for the over 40's if you call Breastscreen Qld on 13 20 50. If you have a family history of breast cancer and are under 40 - it is also free (in Qld).
XXXX